Chapter 3: Is this my Lucky Day?

Graciella's Point of View:

"I'm sorry, but we are not accepting applicants at this time."

"The position has already been filled."

"We cannot recruit you because you have not worked at your current position for more than a year."

I drank a little water from my tumbler. These were just a few of the things I learned about the positions I went to apply for, hoping to be accepted and find work.

It's been two weeks since Nana and I said our final goodbyes to Sunshine City, our home for the past two decades. As I was leaving Zachary's mansion, I told Nana how I wanted to go to Sunshine City to start again, to forget the sorrow I felt as a result of Zachary's decision to spend his time with his ex-lover Amelia, and to begin a new chapter in my life.

Moving was a difficult subject for Nana and me to discuss. She had no desire to uproot her life and relocate because she was so acclimated to living in Sunshine City. I told her about my current emotional state, and she eventually came around to the idea that the two of us should pack our bags and head to the Grand City.

What happened still hurts my heart. I loved Zachary even though he acted in such a way toward me and did not love me. Who wouldn't fall for Zachary's charms? He is a successful businessman with an almost faultless figure and a gorgeous face reminiscent of magazine models. Furthermore, I am aware that, except for me, he is a good person or an upright man.

"Hey there, you old scumbag! Watch where you're going!" said a man.

I headed toward the yelling and found a younger man and an older man squabbling. The younger man was frowning at, the older man while the older man bowed his head.

"At your age, I implore you not to leave the house! It's a disgrace, and you're only making the people around you angrier!" the man yelled at the elderly man in front of him.

What I saw and heard made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I approached the elderly gentleman and turned to face the ranting lady.

I couldn't help but intervene between them, especially when I heard a man yelling at an older person. Even if I am not compelled to care, I can't stand by and watch someone prey on the elderly.

"Mister, please don't yell at him," I said politely to the younger man, adding, "As you can see, he is an old man."

The man turned to face me and questioned, "And who are you? Are you his granddaughter or his Nanny?"

"No, I'm not, but I can't stand it when someone picks on an elderly person!" I told him.

"Can you see what's happened to my suit?" he asked, scrutinizing my appearance.

I took a glance at his suit. There were coffee-like stains on the front. I turned to face the older man, who was grinning brightly at me while holding a mug of coffee.

"No, sir, that's not why you should be ranting at him that way; he's just an elderly man, and if you're not an idiot, you should have avoided him!"

I thought he was becoming irritated by what I was saying. I don't care if he gets furious at me because I can't take it when others pick on the old. I won't put up with it.

I didn't show any fear on my face to him. Even though I could see the hatred on his face, I had no fear in response to him. Senior citizens are precious to me because my grandmother was the one family member who was always there for me throughout my life.

"I have no idea how to accept this!" he exclaimed as he walked away.

I focused my attention on the old gentleman. A grin never left his face when he looked in my direction.

"Are you all well, Mister?" I inquired.

"I am okay. Thank you for defending me," he said, expressing his gratitude.

I smiled at him and added, "Don't even bring it up; if other people see the kind of treatment you received, I'm sure they'll help you as well."

He squinted and cocked his head to one side.

"You appear to need some food, Young Lady; would you be interested in joining me for lunch as a way for me to repay the favor?" He welcomed me.

"No need, Mister; I have a lot of work to accomplish," I said. I'm afraid I have to disagree, but my stomach did not stop me from responding to what the old guy heard.

He chuckled to himself. Because of what had just happened, I couldn't help but bow.

"Young Lady, you must listen to me," he insisted.

He had his hand on my right hand. When I looked at him, he had a smile on his face.

He added, "Come and join me," before dragging me away.

"There's no need to worry about me anymore, Mister; I'm doing well."

He didn't say anything. He pulled me over and insisted on taking a cab till we got to the front of the restaurant. My eyes widened in amazement as I realized this was a five-star facility known as the Grand Restaurant.

I addressed him, saying, "I think we got the incorrect spot, Mister." "Only the wealthy can afford to come in here," I went on.

"Don't worry; I'll handle everything," he promised.

I was utterly bewildered. What exactly did he imply in that regard? Did he believe we should enter the Grand Restaurant?

"Wait a minute, sir; are you certain about this?" I questioned, a little hesitantly, "Is it possible that they won't let us in!" I expressed my opinion.

He's dressed simply in trousers, a simple white t-shirt, and a pair of nondescript sneakers. He attempted to balance his body by holding a baton in his right hand. So, how does he afford to dine at such an expensive restaurant?

When he first started going toward the restaurant, I had no choice but to walk in the same direction as him. When we drew close to the restaurant guard, the older man produced his identity, then glanced at me and voiced his desire to enter.

The security guard properly bowed to the old guy as he stepped in front of him. Despite my curiosity, I chose to follow the older man inside.

As soon as we went in, a waiter greeted us and guided us to find a seat at a circular table. After we took our seats, I did nothing except look around the restaurant while the old gentleman took our order. There were a lot of clients here today, and it was clear from their clothing that they had a lot of money.

"Are you okay, young lady?" inquired the elderly man, and I gave him my full attention.

"Don't worry, Mister; everything is OK with me; still, do you think it would be okay if we had lunch here?" I said, and he repeated the query.

"What's the problem, Young Lady?" he said.

"Mister, did you know that this establishment has five stars?"

"Yeah, I know," he replied shortly after.

"So, why do you recommend we eat here?"

"Oh, I've been negligent in not presenting myself to you," he said as he introduced himself, "My name is Rogelio Grande."

"And you, too..."

To his question, I replied, "Graciella Martinez."

"Okay, Graciella; may I ask what you're doing?" he said, addressing me by name.

What is the point of knowing? He appeared to be seeking to strike up a discussion with me.

"Mister, as of right now, I am looking for work," I replied.

"A job? Could I please go at your resume?"

"Why?

"

"Perhaps there is a job in my company that would be suitable for you."

I found myself staring more intensely as a result of what he said.

"Is this your company?"

" I questioned it because I didn't believe what I was hearing.

"Indeed, The Great Empire, it is my Company!"

"

My entire body stiffened, and my eyes widened even more as if I had dumped a couple of vats of ice water on the situation. I'm unsure if I should believe what he said because neither his appearance nor his clothes suggested that he was wealthy.

Is the Grande Empire the Grand City's most powerful corporation?

I didn't notice that he already had my résumé and was reading it at the time; he didn't spend more than a few minutes reading it before turning to face me.

"You worked at a company in Sunshine City over a year ago, but your job in your previous employer is not open to Grande Empire," he told me.

"However," he said, "I noticed on your resume that you finished eighteen nursing units."

"Yes," I said.

I told him I had taken various nursing classes at my former employer because "I want to have some grasp of Healthcare Services for my Grandmother."

"Oh, so that's your explanation," he continued, smiling and nodding.

"Yes."

"If that's the case, I met you by chance, Graciella!"

" The fact that he stated it perplexed me even more.

"Exactly what do you mean by that?"

"

He smiled at me before asking, "Would you like to see my grandson?"

"

"He was in an accident three months ago that injured both his feet." "I advised him that he needed to take care of his feet, but he was opposed to the idea," he continued. "Now, he is in our house, spending his time lying in bed, and it appears he doesn't want to live anymore."

"Some nurses looked at my grandson, but none paid attention to his mood." "From what I've seen of you, you have a position with him, you work hard, and you have the financial means to look at him," he added.

"I'll admit that what happened to him changed his demeanor. He toughened his stance and stated unequivocally that he did not want anyone to get in his way. He did everything for him to be alone, and I care about him because he is the only one I have," he explained.

"If you accept this offer, I will pay you $10,000 monthly for the rest of your life!"

"

My tongue seemed to shrink as a result of what I had heard. $10,000 per month? I cannot believe he would make such an offer to me!

"What do you think, Graciella?" Will you accept it or not? " He inquired.

Is today my lucky day? If so, I can't afford to miss out!

"I'll take it!"